The 2005 Yellow Jacket boys' basketball team looks to complete another playoff season starting with a scrimmage last Saturday.

Losing six seniors from last year's squad, including leading rebounder Angus Quigley, makes for a rebuilding season. Rebounding and defense are two big question marks for this team entering the new season.

"Losing Angus was a big loss," Coach Jeff Cody said. "He led us in rebounding, and that and the defense are the two things that we have to improve on."

One this is certain, the team will have no problem shooting the ball.

"We will be able to shoot the ball very well," Cody said. "We're very deep at the guard position."

The Jackets will feature a balanced offensive team, led by senior guards Jacob Kelsey and Shea McLean.

"With Shea and Jacob, we can score, but we can get the entire team involved," Cody said. "It will be very balanced. On any night anyone could be high scorer."

Stopping the opposition from scoring will be the true test for this young Jacket squad.

"Defense has to be one of the question marks for this team, along with rebounding," Cody said.

The team has to be able to put forth the effort to play defense in order for it to win.

"We have, potentially, several good defenders who have brought into it at practice, but we must be able to apply it to game situations," Cody said.

Cleburne must also find a replacement for Quigley, last season's leading rebounder who is now attending the University of Kansas.

"Replacing Angus will be a key. We have some guys in football right now who will probably be able to help us there, like Kordell (Simpson)," Cody said.

Simpson, a 6' 3" senior, will play post and try to fill Quigley's shoes. Cody said the Jackets have to fill those voids if they want to compete in District 6-AAAA.

"Mineral Wells has three highly recruited senior players," Cody said. "Brewer and probably Aledo will be right there, so it is a very competitive and well coached district."

Some players think that the Jackets can still win district without the loss of key seniors from last year's team.

"Angus left, but we have a lot of guys playing hard that are stepping up for us. I think we should win the district," senor forward Jared Benson said.

Cody thinks his team will make it into the post-season.

"Surely, I expect this team to be in the playoffs. I'd be disappointed if we didn't," Cody said.

If the Jackets are able to find a way to stop opponents offensively and battle it out on the boards, Cleburne fans should see this team go a long way.